Kansas City Chiefs (Last Year: 14-2)
2021 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
RB Jerick McKinnon, FB Mike Burton, TE Blake Bell, OT Orlando Brown, G Joe Thuney, G Kyle Long, C Austin Blythe, DT Jarran Reed, CB Mike Hughes, S Will Parks.
Early Draft Picks:
LB Nick Bolton, C Creed Humphrey, DE Josh Kaindoh, TE Noah Gray. Chiefs Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
RB Le’veon Bell, RB Damien Williams, FB Anthony Sherman, WR Sammy Watkins, OT Eric Fisher, OT Mitchell Schwartz, C Austin Reiter, C Daniel Kilgore, DE Alex Okafor, DT Tanoh Kpassagnon, DT Mike Pennel, LB Damien Wilson, CB Baushad Breeland.
2021 Kansas City Chiefs Offense:
Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL, but even he can struggle when there is a poor blocking unit in front of him. Once the Chiefs lost Mitchell Schwartz and Kelechi Osemele in consecutive weeks in October, the offensive line couldn’t keep Mahomes very safe. Things only got worse when Eric Fisher was lost in the AFC Championship to an Achilles injury. Missing three starters on the offensive line, the Chiefs simply couldn’t block the Buccaneers’ stellar defensive front, resulting in a blowout defeat in the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs cut ties with Fisher and Schwartz in the offseason, leaving many wondering how Mahomes would be protected this upcoming season. However, the Chiefs made a big splash in free agency when they signed Joe Thuney to a 5-year, $80 million contract. Thuney is capable of playing any position on the offensive line, and he’s been an All-Pro guard throughout his career. He and fellow newcomers Kyle Long and Creed Humphrey figure to be huge upgrades in the interior. Long retired ahead of the 2020 season because of injuries, but he’s trying to revive his career in Kansas City. It remains to be seen if he can stay healthy, but he’s been a stellar guard when he’s been able to avoid the injury report. Humphrey, meanwhile, is a promising second-round rookie center.
Kansas City didn’t have a first-round pick because it traded that to the Ravens for Orlando Brown. The 25-year-old played very well for the Ravens at right tackle, but requested a trade because he wanted to be stationed on the blind side. He’ll have that opportunity in Kansas City. He’ll start across from Mike Remmers, who did a good job of filling in for the injured Schwartz in the second half of this past season.
With more time in the pocket this season, Mahomes will be more lethal than ever with his dynamic supporting cast. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce are two of the best offensive play-makers in the NFL. Sammy Watkins is gone – he signed with the Ravens – so one of Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, Byron Pringle or rookie Cornell Powell will have to step up and become a viable tertiary threat.
The only question mark concerning the Chiefs’ offense is the rushing attack. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, last year’s first-round pick, had a great debut against the Texans, but struggled after that. Darrel Williams stole some touches from him as the season progressed, so unless Edwards-Helaire develops, Williams and the newly signed Jerick McKinnon may be heavily involved.
2021 Kansas City Chiefs Defense:
The Chiefs completely reconstructed their defense two years ago, shifting from a 3-4 to a 4-3. This seemed to be a questionable move at the time because it entailed giving up on Justin Houston. However, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was able to make everything work. The stop unit improved as the 2019 season progressed and was just as good in 2020. The Chiefs finished seventh and 10th in points allowed the past two years.
Of course, the primary reason why the Chiefs improved later in 2019 was Chris Jones’ return from injury. The stud defensive tackle is one of the top players in the NFL, regardless of position, so it’s no surprise that the Chiefs have lost just three times in full games Jones played in the past two regular seasons. There was some speculation that the Chiefs would have to move on from Jones last offseason because of salary-cap reasons, but they were able to retain him. Jones rewarded the Chiefs by having another great year.
Jones will join Frank Clark on the defensive line to put tons of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Clark is coming off a down year in which he recorded just six sacks, his lowest total since his 2015 rookie campaign. However, Clark is still in his 20s, so there’s no reason for him to regress. The Chiefs will need Clark to step up because they don’t have much else on the edge. They at least have Derrick Nnadi to play next to Jones. Nnadi stuffed the run quite well in 2020.
Despite Clark’s down year, the Chiefs weren’t worse against the pass because of enhanced cornerback play. Fourth-round rookie L’Jarius Sneed missed all of October and November, but he played very well despite his inexperience. This gave the Chiefs a nice duo with Charvarius Ward covering well, albeit with some missed tackles included. Rashad Fenton, meanwhile, did a decent job in the slot. Fenton was even worse as a tackler, however, so that could allow the newly acquired Mike Hughes to challenge for the job. The Chiefs traded for Hughes, a former first-round pick, who struggled with injuries in Minnesota.
The Chiefs have two talented safeties to complement their cornerback play. Tyrann Mathieu is not the same dynamic play-maker he once was, but he’s still a solid presence in Kansas City’s defensive backfield. Juan Thornhill regressed a bit in 2020 after a great 2019, but he’s still young (25) and possesses tons of potential.
The only real liability in Kansas City’s defense, at least prior to the 2021 NFL Draft, was the linebacking corps. Anthony Hitchens has been a huge disappointment, so the team needed an upgrade at the position. The front office may have found one in Nick Bolton, a second-round pick. The Chiefs used another second-round choice in 2020 on fellow linebacker Willie Gay Jr., but he didn’t play very much as a rookie. If Bolton lives up to his potential, and Gay makes some improvements, the Chiefs could have a solid group of linebackers for the first time since the Derrick Johnson days.
2021 Kansas City Chiefs Schedule and Intangibles:
The Chiefs needed to bring back the Arrowhead magic that existed prior to 2007. Since that year, Kansas City was a dreadful 20-37 as a host heading into the 2014 campaign. However, Kansas City is now 47-17 at Arrowhead over the past six seasons. This includes the four victories in the playoffs leading up to Super Bowls LIV and LV.
Andy Reid had poor special-teams units in Philadelphia after John Harbaugh left for Baltimore. That was not the case the past eight years for the Chiefs, as they combined for 14 return touchdowns. They’ve scored eight during the past five seasons, thanks to Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman.
Harrison Butker was once again very accurate in field goals last year, hitting 25-of-27 tries, including 4-of-4 from from beyond 50. He missed a whopping six extra points, however.
Punter Tommy Townsend was ranked in the middle of the pack last year as far as net average is concerned.
The Chiefs have a balanced schedule. They’ll have tough battles against divisional foes, as well as the AFC North teams, but they’ll also get to beat up on the NFC East.
2021 Kansas City Chiefs Rookies:
Go here for the Chiefs Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2021 Kansas City Chiefs Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2021 Kansas City Chiefs Analysis: The last time Patrick Mahomes played a football game, he and his team were utterly humiliated on a national stage. Mahomes is going to be incredibly motivated to redeem himself, so he might just have his best year yet. If the improved offensive line can live up to the hype and remain healthy, it’ll give Mahomes an incredible chance to win his second Super Bowl.
Projection: 16-1 (1st in AFC West)
2020 Projection: 13-3. 2019 Actual Result: 14-2.
2019 Projection: 13-3. 2019 Actual Result: 12-4.
2018 Projection: 11-5. 2018 Actual Result: 12-4.
2017 Projection: 11-5. 2017 Actual Result: 10-6.
2016 Projection: 10-6. 2016 Actual Result: 12-4.
2021 Fantasy Football Rankings
More 2021 NFL Season Previews
NFL Draft Team Grade: A Grade
Goals Entering the 2021 NFL Draft: We all saw what happened in the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes was under siege on nearly every play. The Chiefs made some upgrades at guard, but they still need help at tackle and center. Their defense could use some better players as well.
2021 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Chiefs didn’t have a first-round pick because they traded for Orlando Brown. The top tackles were off the board by the time the Chiefs were on the clock, so they correctly recognized that Brown would be better than anyone available at No. 31. If Brown, who is only 25, happened to be in the 2021 NFL Draft, he would have gone No. 14 at the very latest.
Despite the Brown trade, the Chiefs weren’t done upgrading Mahomes’ offensive line. One of the second-round picks was used on center Creed Humphrey, who could have easily been chosen 25 picks earlier without any complaints. Meanwhile, a late pick was used on Trey Smith, who was projected to be a top-five prospect before a barrage of injuries derailed his football career. His upside was well worth the third-day choice.
Aside from the offensive line, the Chiefs found some needed reinforcements for their front seven. Nick Bolton was a fine linebacker selection toward the end of Round 2, while Josh Kaindoh was a strong value pick on the third day. They helped round out the Chiefs’ excellent draft class.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
58. Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri – B Grade
Nick Bolton is an instinctive linebacker, but has some limitations in coverage. Still, this is a fine pick, as I’ve had Bolton slated around this area for most of the pre-draft process. He could fill a huge need in Kansas City’s poor linebacking corps.
63. Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma – A Grade
Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL, yet he couldn’t win behind his dreadful offensive line last year. The Chiefs needed to make wholesale changes up front. They added talent at tackle and guard, but center remained a weakness – until now. I had Creed Humphrey a bit earlier than this spot, so I love this pick.
144. Josh Kaindoh, DE, Florida State – A- Grade
Andy Reid loves bolstering the trenches, and this is the third time he’s doing that in this draft if Orlando Brown is included. Josh Kaindoh provides nice value, as I had him slotted 20 picks earlier. He’s a tremendous athlete. He’s raw, but he could develop into a dynamic player.
162. Noah Gray, TE, Duke – C- Grade
Andy Reid drafted a tight end. You don’t say!? The Chiefs love running mult-tight end formations, so this pick makes sense. That said, I’m not sure why the Chiefs traded up for Noah Gray. Were there teams dying to pick Gray? I doubt it, so why did the Chiefs squander a resource for him?
181. Cornell Powell, WR, Clemson – B Grade
The Chiefs lost Sammy Watkins in free agency, so they’ll need a receiver to compete with the disappointing Mecole Hardman. Cornell Powell is someone who bounced around Day 3 of my mock draft updates, so the value is fine.
226. Trey Smith, OT/G, Tennessee – A+ Grade
This is the steal of the draft. I don’t know if Trey Smith will be able to play much in the NFL, but if he does, he could be an All-Pro. If Trey Smith didn’t have injury concerns, he would’ve been a top-10 pick in this draft. Unfortunately, major injuries derailed his career. However, there’s always a chance he could recover, so I like the Chiefs shooting for the stars with this selection.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Season Summary:
The Chiefs weren’t willing to rest on their laurels despite their Super Bowl victory in 2019. Despite numerous injuries to their offensive line, they managed to compile the best record in the NFL this past season.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Offensive Tackles: Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz have both been released, which makes the tackle spot a dire situation. Re-signed Mike Remmers
- Guard: Kansas City’s greatest weakness in 2020 was its pass protection, which was magnified when Kelechi Osemele suffered a season-ending injury. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif’s return will help, but an upgrade is still needed over Andrew Wylie. Signed Joe Thuney and Kyle Long
- Linebacker: Defensively, Kansas City’s biggest problem was that it struggled to cover the middle of the field. Better linebacker play would go a long way to solving that issue.
- Edge Rusher: The Chiefs must also improve their pass rush. Frank Clark is a talented edge rusher, but the Chiefs have a big hole on the other end.
- Defensive Tackle: The Chiefs could stand to get better in the middle of their defensive line as well. Signed Jarran Reed
- Center: Austin Reiter played well at center last year, but he’s set to enter free agency. Signed Austin Blythe
- Wide Receiver: Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson are set to hit free agency, but the Chiefs could use a better No. 2 receiver anyway. Re-signed Demarcus Robinson
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2021 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Joe Thuney, G, Patriots. Age: 28. 
Signed with Chiefs (5 years, $80 million)
Joe Thuney is an excellent offensive lineman. Not only does he block extremely well; he can play numerous positions on the front. He deserves a huge contract.
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Kyle Long, G, Bears. Age: 32.
Signed with Chiefs (1 year, $5 million)
Kyle Long announced his retirement following the 2019 season, but he has returned to the NFL. He’s 32, and it’s unclear if he’s in great shape following his year off. Also, he has an extensive injury history; he missed 20 games in his final two years, and he hasn’t played more than 10 games since 2015. Still, Long was a talented guard when healthy, so if he can stay on the field, he could be a major upgrade for the team that signs him.
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Austin Blythe, C, Rams. Age: 29.
Signed with Chiefs (1 year)
Austin Blythe has done a good job at center for the Rams, particularly when it comes to run blocking. His pass protection must improve a bit.
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Michael Burton, FB, Saints. Age: 29.
Signed with Chiefs
Michael Burton is an effective run blocker who paved the way for Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray.
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Jerick McKinnon, RB, 49ers. Age: 29.
Signed with Chiefs
Jerick McKinnon can’t stay healthy, which is a shame because he’s a dynamic receiver out of the backfield when he can play.
- Will Parks, S, Broncos. Age: 27. — Signed with Chiefs
- Jarran Reed, DT, Seahawks. Age: 28. — Signed with Chiefs
- Blake Bell, TE, Cowboys. Age: 30. — Signed with Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Charvarius Ward (RFA), CB, Chiefs. Age: 26.
Tendered by Chiefs (2nd)
Charvarius Ward is a young cornerback with plenty of talent and upside. His tackling ability must improve, but he has nice coverage skills.
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Austin Reiter, C, Chiefs. Age: 30.
Austin Reiter was a solid center for the Chiefs last year. His pass protection is much better than his run blocking.
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Mitchell Schwartz, OT, Chiefs. Age: 32.
Mitchell Schwartz is a great right tackle, and under ordinary circumstances, he’d be rated mich higher than this. However, he’s dealing with back problems, and there are rumors that he may retire.
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Le’Veon Bell, RB, Chiefs. Age: 29.
Le’Veon Bell shouldn’t have taken a year off, apparently. He hasn’t been the same since sitting out the 2018 season, struggling with both the Jets and the Chiefs. He still has great talent, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he gets his act together and has a big 2021. Then again, he could continue to trend toward oblivion.
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Damien Williams, RB, Chiefs. Age: 29.
Signed with Bears (1 year)
Damien Williams foolishly cost himself a starting NFL job by opting out of the 2020 season. This was an incredibly dumb decision, so it’s not a surprise that the Chiefs cut him. Williams will have to settle for a No. 2 job for a team looking for a back who can catch passes out of the backfield.
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Mike Remmers, OT, Chiefs. Age: 32.
Re-signed with Chiefs (1 year)
Mike Remmers filled in well for an injured Mitchell Schwartz this past season, especially in pass protection. His age (32) is a bit of a concern, however.
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Anthony Sherman, FB, Chiefs. Age: 33.
Announced retirement
Anthony Sherman is a solid lead blocker. The Chiefs don’t run very much, but Sherman is effective when needed. Unfortunately, he may decline soon.
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Eric Fisher, OT, Chiefs. Age: 30.
Signed with Colts
Eric Fisher has endured two rough playoffs recently. He was absued by Nick Bosa against the 49ers, and then he tore his Achilles in the AFC Championship this past January. He’s likely to begin the year on the PUP list, so he’ll have to settle for a 1-year “prove it” deal.
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Baushad Breeland, CB, Chiefs. Age: 29.
Signed with Vikings
Baushad Breeland is an inconsistent cornerback who rebounded well from a down 2019. He missed the first four games with a suspension and then went on to cover well in 2020.
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Sammy Watkins, WR, Chiefs. Age: 28.
Signed with Ravens
Sammy Watkins has lots of ability, but hasn’t ever lived up to it. He shows flashes of brilliance at times, but is invisible on occasion.
- Alex Okafor, DE, Chiefs. Age: 30.
- Damien Wilson, LB, Chiefs. Age: 28. — Signed with Jaguars
- Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE/DT, Chiefs. Age: 27. — Signed with Chiefs
- Mike Pennel, DT, Chiefs. Age: 30. — Signed with Bears
- Demarcus Robinson, WR, Chiefs. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Chiefs (1 year)
- Daniel Kilgore, C, Chiefs. Age: 34. — Announced retirement
- Daniel Sorensen, S, Chiefs. Age: 31. — Re-signed with Chiefs
- Taco Charlton, DE, Chiefs. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Chiefs (1 year)
- Kelechi Osemele, G, Chiefs. Age: 32.
- Antonio Hamilton, CB, Chiefs. Age: 28.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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